MOVIE - THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE - Review Rating $$$$$ $$1/2 (OUT OF 10)
STARRING - Denzel Washington (Ben Marco), Meryl Streep (Eleanor Shaw),
Liev Schreiber (Raymond Shaw), Kimberly Elise (Rosie), Vera Farmiga (Jocelyn Jordan) &
Jon Voight (Senator Jordan).
DIRECTOR - Jonathan Demme (Philadelphia, The Truth About Charlie, The Silence of the Lambs, Beloved & Married to the Mob)
A remake of the 1962 film based on the novel by Richard Condon.
The villains in the original book/film were Communist provacatuers. The end of the Cold War reqired a new villain for The Manchurian Candidate to remain relevant. Sadly, due to wide spread abuse of trust, corruption, scandals and out-right greed, Corporate America has proven itself to be a worthy replacement as the villain of choice for the new millenium. Ironic, to say the least.
Reality gives the implausible plot of The Manchurian Candidate the required degree of credibility to be taken seriously. However, much of this credibility is squandered away.
A few years back the major broadcast networks and their staffs were prohibited from participating in commercials films. It was felt, rightly or wrongly, that their presence would blur the line between fact and fiction. Thus, The Manchurian Candidate has to make due with pretend reporters (for the most part). This, combined with the monumental task of recreating a political convention, convincingly, and a few plot holes leads to large portions of The Manchurian Candidate coming off as unbelievable.
The ying and yang between the great performances, political intrigue and unconvincing backdrops is disconcerting enough that it manages to lower the intensity level and impact of the film.
Political junkies and conspiracy theorists will enjoy The Manchurian Candidate despite its flaws.
Running time - 130 minutes
Alternative Reviews:
Roger Ebert's Review
Peter Travers / Rolling Stone Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
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